Study Shows Increase in Food Gardening for 2009

The results of a new National Gardening Association survey entitled "The Impact of Home and Community Gardening in America" were released earlier this week at the 5th Annual Garden Writers Teleconference. The findings indicate that the popularity of food gardening in the United States is on the rise, with an increase of about 19% from 2008 to 2009. That's nearly double the growth seen between 2007 and 2008, when food gardening grew by 10%.

With food prices rising ever higher in a struggling economy, Americans are seeing the benefits of growing their own food. An NGA estimate reveals that good gardens could save a family as much as $500 a year on food. NGA research director Bruce Butterfield emphasized the consumer focus on saving, saying that, "As in previous recessions, we've seen increased participation in and spending on food gardening as people look for ways to economize."

The NGA report indicates that more than 43 million Americans plan to grow their own food in 2009. Not only are many households starting new gardens, about 11% of experienced gardeners say they plan to expand their food growing for the next year.

But cost isn't the only reason many people are switching to home gardens. In fact, most respondents said that their main motivation was better-tasting foods. Close behind, 51% were focused on getting fresher, better quality products, and 48% liked the assurance that their food was safe and healthy.